You shot 300 frames. Your package includes 10 retouched images. Somewhere between those two numbers is the part nobody teaches you: getting the client to actually choose. Done badly, it’s weeks of texts. Done well, it takes them one sitting and gets you a clear list to retouch.
Cull before they ever see it
Never send every frame. Cut the blinks, the misfocus, and the near-duplicates first. For a headshot session, 300 frames might become 40 to 60 strong options. Fewer, better choices make it easier to decide and make your work look better.
Give them a number, in writing
The single biggest fix is a clear limit: “Your session includes 10 retouched images.” Put it in your package, your contract, and the gallery itself. Without a number, “pick your favorites” turns into 47 favorites and an awkward conversation.
- Individual sessions: a set number, like 5 or 10.
- Team days: a number per person, like 2 or 3 each.
- Product and food: a number per product or per dish.
Separate “love” from “want”
Clients think in two steps, so let them. First they mark everything they like. Then they narrow that down to the ones they want finished. A gallery with both favorites (unlimited) and selections (up to the limit) matches how people actually decide.
Help them choose
- Flag your own picks. You know which frame is sharpest and best lit. Mark your recommendations so they start there.
- Let others weigh in. Spouses, parents, and marketing teams will have opinions anyway. Better in the gallery than in your texts.
- Show where everyone agrees. The photos you, your client, and their people all like are usually the keepers.
Set a deadline
“Please submit your selections within 7 days” keeps the job moving, and your turnaround time starts when they submit, not when you send the gallery. Put that in writing too.
Selling extras starts here
When a client loves 14 and their package includes 10, that’s not a problem, it’s an upsell. Have a price for extra retouches ready before you send the gallery, so saying yes is easy.
Lock it once they submit
When they hit submit, their selections should stop changing while you retouch. If they truly need a swap, unlock it, let them change it, and lock it again. One clear list means no “wait, I meant the other one” after you’ve finished.
How I do it in Edit
My proofing galleries have a selection limit (per person on team days), unlimited hearts, my Photographer’s picks, and Guest picks from anyone with the share link. The Matched filter shows where we all agree. When they submit, it locks, and I unlock it if they need a change. Extra retouches can be bought right in the gallery.